I’m almost not young enough to take advantage of this organization. I’ve got two years left. I’m 38 and age 40 is the cut-off. Well, I don’t know if the folks at the Young Survival Coalition are that strict, but the group is intended for women younger than 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
A few years ago, while questioning chemotherapy and what treatment was right for me, I visited the YSC a few times. The bulletin boards were my favorite. I didn’t ever write or respond to anyone. I just visited from afar, soaking up the chit-chat of others and using it for my own decision-making purposes. It helped, to learn about Taxol and who got it, who didn’t. I didn’t want it, you see, and I searched feverishly for other women who didn’t get it, trying desperately to justify that it was not right for me. It turns out it wasn’t right for me—Amen to that—and my argument against the drug came partially from this group of fierce women fighting for their lives.
Breast cancer is not all that common among young women, and you may find that resources and information for the under-40 set are limited. Until you find the YSC, that is. They’ve got it all. Besides the bulletin board, the YSC features programs, events, even retreats. And there are all sorts of FAQs and hot cancer topics on the website. Check it out. You’ll discover that while you may be young, you are definitely not alone.